This summer, wind power company Clean Currents, will kick off Lots of Power, an exciting new mentoring program to address one of Philadelphia's greatest problems, vacant lots. Working in partnership with Kensington Renewal, AIGA Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley Green Building Council, the program will pair professional designers and architects with high school-age students to research and develop innovative solutions for specific vacant lots in Kensington. At the end of the mentoring process, 2-3 projects will be chosen for implementation.

The program is currently recruiting students for this unique opportunity. If you are a high school age student interested in being mentored by a professional designer or architect for 12 hours this summer to make change in your community; or an educator who would like more information on placing high school students in the program, please contact Andréa Pellegrino at info@lotsofpower.net. The sign-up deadline is June 21 and limited spaces are available. Clean Currents is also sponsor of our Grid's bimonthly Grid Alive shows.

“At Clean Currents, we are constantly seeking projects that allow us to work alongside individuals and organizations taking an active role in improving their communities,” said Gary Skulnik, President of Clean Currents. “We spoke with community leaders and residents about the challenges Philadelphia is facing, and vacant lots came up repeatedly.”

Two winning concepts will be chosen at the end of the mentoring period – one through a jury process, the other through a public voting process via social media. The two winning concepts will be given a monetary grant to implement their design ideas.

“There are 40,000 vacant lots in Philadelphia, detracting from the city’s beautiful neighborhoods and attracting crime,” said Skulnik. “Lots of Power will make a difference for Kensington, the mentors, and the teens that participate.”